By SCOTT SANDER & RAY STEELE
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Film fans can now fill their calendars for Indiana’s largest annual big screen event. The Heartland International Film Festival has just released its schedule for its Oct. 9 to 19 run.
“We have over 100 independent films from all over the world, and tickets just went on sale this morning,” Heartland Film’s Jessica Chapman said, breaking the news on WISH-TV’s Daybreak. “We have spots all over town. You can also stream many of these films to during that period.”
This year’s theme is “Connect to What Matters.” Films will screen at five different theaters:
- Alamo Drafthouse
- Indy Art Center
- Kan-Kan Cinema
- Living Room Theaters
- Newfields
Chapman shared thoughts about several of the films.
Rental Family
The festival’s opening night show features Indianapolis-born Brendan Fraser as an American actor who finds a new direction in a novel occupation.
“His job is that he can be rented as a family member,” Chapman says. “So he can stand in as a husband, a sibling, and it’s just a really unique role to see him play an actor – and a really powerful story.”
Ignite the Fire
This film serves up a look at one of Central Indiana’s newest pro sports teams, The Indy Ignite.
“This is a documentary about their first season. So if you like volleyball or were just curious, or you didn’t get a chance to check out their first season, I recommend seeing this film. It covers their journey and the startup of their team. And it’s exciting to see them on the screen.
When Everyone Swims
This film looks at the importance of swimming, through the words and experiences of people of all backgrounds.
“It is a pretty in-depth look at swimming,” she explains. “The importance of swimming, the importance of water safety. It takes you all the way from people and their dramatic experiences around water to Olympic swimmers and their experiences with water, and also just the importance in how to get involved with swimming, how to learn how to swim, and how it can really save lives.”
The Amateur Circus
Long called the “Circus Capital of the World,” Peru, Indiana’s claim to fame continues through this film about the annual performances that continue the legacy.
“I always say with an Indiana Spotlight Film, you never know who you’re going to see, and this goes so in line with me. My mom grew up in Peru, Indiana, and I can remember attending this circus, and I can vouch that it is the most incredible circus,” she enthusiastically shared. “It’s all done by the kids in the town, and it’s the most incredible circus I’ve ever seen”
Full showtimes and ticket prices for the Heartland International Film Festival are here.
This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/heartland-film-festival-2025-tickets.
